Merino stud origins

Our strategic move to a self replacing flock began in 1956, using select ewes and a Merryville ram purchased for 600 guineas. The Ruby Hills stud flock is founded on these  Bundemar, Mirani and Merryville lines and registered as flock #4120 in 1986. Recent genetic introductions have been from only proven sires from Nerstane and Yalgoo bloodlines using performance EBV’s which enhance our merinos.

Breeding focus

With a 550 stud ewes and 6000 flock ewes, Ruby Hills has a self-replacing ram breeding focus which is directed by the use of benchmarking and key performance indicators in our whole farm business.

Rams are specifically selected to increase gross margin profit with high value wool and meat products, as well as reducing production costs and chemicals — particularly worm and fly control. Our sheep are large framed and grow 17.5-18 micron spinners wool with high tensile strength to attract price premiums.

We are passionate about using innovative genetic selection tools, and have individually tested 6500 sheep over 18 years, producing proven robust results and confidence in our genetic progress.

Proven commercial performance—5 yrs average